How to Access the Task Manager in Mac

Switching from a Windows PC to a Mac computer can often confuse Windows users. That’s because they find it challenging to figure out the different functions on their new computer. Similarly, many new Mac users stay curious to see the Mac equivalent of Windows Task Manager.

However, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Read this post to learn how to access the Task Manager on Mac. 

What is the Task Manager in Mac?

When using a Windows computer, you can open Task Manager to help you quit frozen or stuck applications windows.

But if the same happens with a Mac PC, you will need to use Activity Monitor. Then, you can call the Mac Task Manager or a similar version. 

In addition, Activity Monitor can provide you with your CPU usage and details. It can also enlighten you about memory usage by different Mac services and apps. 

Although you may experience Mac apps and services freezing less often, it offers a Force Quit Applications Manager. So whenever you’re dealing with a lousy app on your Mac that won’t work, you can use the Force Quit Applications Manager to force quit it. 

What is the Mac Alternative for Control Alt Delete?

You might be habitual of pressing the ctrl key +alt key +delete key combination on your Windows PC to force quit or quit a certain app on your Windows computer. However, the alternative combination for Mac is Cmd + Opt + Esc. 

So, if you wish to force quit or quit a service or app, you can press these keys to launch the Force Quit Applications tool. In addition, you can press the Apple logo in the upper menu bar to force quit an application.

The good thing about this program is that it does not stop the background process required to keep your computer running.

How Can I Access the Activity Monitor?

Mac users can open the Task Manager on Mac in multiple ways. So, choose the method you feel is most convenient.  

Use Finder

To open the Activity Monitor window via Finder, you can follow these instructions:

1. Launch Finder Icon
2. Go to Applications
3. Select Utilities folder
4. Search for Activity Monitor in the Applications folder
5. Double-click on the program to open it. 

Use Spotlight Search

You can open Activity Monitor through Spotlight as an alternative.

Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Spotlight in the upper-right corner of your Mac computer’s screen. You can identify it by the magnifying glass icon. 
2. Type Activity Monitor.
3. When the option appears, press Enter to start the Task Manager on Mac. 

Use Key Shortcuts

Here’s a quick way to launch Activity Monitor:

1. Press CMD and then the Spacebar on your keyboard. This will open Spotlight.
2. Now, you can enter Activity Monitor to launch the app. 

How Can I Force Quit Applications Window in Activity Monitor?

The Activity Monitor in the macOS system allows you to get rid of apps you are using on your computer. In addition, it also helps you monitor background processes running that may be slowing down your mac Os performance. 

So, if you want to quit a problematic app, you can use Activity Monitor by following these simple steps:

1. Launch Activity Monitor
2. Check the list of all the processes
3. Choose which process you wish to quit.
4. Press the X symbol
5. Choose the Force Quit option or Quit.

Alternatively, you can quit any app by double-clicking and selecting the Quit button.

How to Open Task Manager on Mac to Inspect Processes?

The Task Manager on Mac provides detailed information regarding other processes you’re running on your Mac. Therefore, you can use the program to evaluate each process carefully. In addition, it gives you a summary of the app and what processes it performs. 

So, if your Mac is running slowly or having issues, the Activity Monitor can help you with vital information for finding troublesome background services and apps. 

Here’s how you can inspect any process on your Mac computer: 

1. Go to Activity Monitor on your Mac
2. Check the process list
3. Select a process by double-clicking it. You will be directed to a new window containing a few tabs.
4. Go to the Memory tab. Here, you can check RAM usage by the process
5. Select Statistics in the Memory tab. This will provide you with extensive technical information, such as the number of threads your program uses. 
6. Select the tab for Open Ports and Files to know which files a program is using at a time 
7. Select Next to the Parent Process. This will direct you to a new window including more details about the given process.

How Can I Run a Diagnostic Report in Activity Monitor?

In Activity Monitor, you may create a range of diagnostic reports.

You can sample it for three seconds to examine what a process is doing when it runs. You may also produce a Spindump, which examines unresponsive force-quit apps.

In addition, you can generate a report for System Diagnostics based on your Mac’s processes. Moreover, the technical reports you create can be sent to Apple Support if your Mac is causing issues. 

Follow these instructions to run these reports in the Mac Activity Monitor:

1. Launch Activity Monitor
2. Select the three dots icon
3. Choose Sample Process >> Spotlight Diagnostics >> System Diagnostics
4. You may need to type your Mac password for some of these. So, enter the correct password and allow the report to build. 
5. Once done, you can send the generated file to Apple Support. 

How Can I Force Quit Apps with Malware in Activity Monitor?

Getting your Malware infection for your Mac is an utter misfortune. Luckily, Activity Monitor can help you locate the infection and end it. Therefore, you should search the web for anything causing your issues.

This can keep you from closing processes your Mac needs to process for efficient performance.  

Here’s how you can open the Mac version of Task Manager to shut Malware down:

1. Navigate to Activity Monitor.
2. Select the column for exact percentages in the CPU tab. This will enable you to sort out processes by the space they consume on your Mac’s processor.
3. Find the process in the CPU tab that’s consuming the most space and check for anything that seems unrecognizable.
4. If you find anything suspicious, select it. Then, press the X icon at the top of your Activity Monitor screen.
5. Press Force Quit or Quit.

How to Force Quit Apps Draining MacBook Battery Life with Apple Task Manager?

Many apps and running processes on your Mac PC can take up a big chunk of the computer’s processing power. This can result in slow performance. In addition, these apps and services can drain a lot of energy. As a result,  you may be unable to work on your MacBook for a long without plugging in a power outlet. 

Fortunately, Activity Monitor can save most users from wasting more energy and save some on your computer.

You can check the energy use on your Mac by following this method:

1. First, launch the Activity Monitor app.
2. Then, navigate to the Energy tab.
3. Check the Energy Impact tab and analyze the power each service or app is consuming.  
4. Go to the 12 hr Power tab to determine the energy consumption of operating system processes in the last 12 hours.
5. Quit the processes that are draining your Mac’s battery.

Can I Know How Much Data an App Is Using?

A majority of modern internet providers do not limit your downloads with restrictions. However, downloading heavy files or several files can slow down your computer. Therefore, you should monitor background downloading processes and limit your network activity with Activity Monitor. 

In addition, when you’re away from your home internet connection, you need to save the internet for browning the web. So, secretly downloading files can easily wipe out your limited internet connection. 

To check your Mac uploading and downloading processes with Activity Monitor, you can follow these instructions:

1. First, press the Activity Monitor icon.
2. Choose the Network tab in Activity Monitor.
3. Select the top of the column for Sent Bytes. This will sort them from the highest figures to the lowest ones. 
4. Check the Bytes that are exceptionally high or unexpected for a program.
5. Follow the same steps for Rcvd Bytes column.
6. Quit all apps that are consuming most of your bandwidth.
7. If you discover anything suspicious, search the web for its name. 
8. Check if the app is malware.
9. Run a scan for viruses in just a few clicks.

What Other Ways Can I Use the Activity Monitor?

Other handy ways to use Activity Monitor

The Mac version of Task Manager can be useful in several ways. Here are some other handy methods to benefit from the Activity Monitor:

• Check how much CPU is used in real-time
• Check the disk tab for disk activity, disk usage, rewriting data, and network information in your Mac’s Dock
• Use the Memory Pressure chart to see if you need more RAM

Final Thoughts

The Activity Monitor can be great for performing several useful actions. That’s because you can never know what program or process might affect your Mac performance.

However, with the Mac version of Task Manager, you can:

• Limit network usage
• Control energy usage, CPU load, disk space, and monitor RAM memory

Moreover, if you open Task Manager alternative for Mac, it can help you spot malware. 

In addition, with the Force Quit Application Manager, you can force quit the app in the blink of an eye. All you have to do is press a combination of keys to quit any program.

Alternatively, you can also press the Apple icon in the menu bar. You can follow these Mac tips to avoid issues.

However, when quitting apps or processes with Activity Monitor, you must ensure that you are not closing any process vital for your Mac’s performance.